Ukraine and US Near Finalizing 20-Point Peace Plan as Russia Rejects Christmas Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and the United States are close to finalizing a framework involving security guarantees and economic arrangements linked to a 20-point peace plan. A separate bilateral document on security guarantees with Washington is to be reviewed by the US Congress, with key annexes crucial to Ukraine's military needs. An economic recovery plan has also been prepared, constituting a core set of documents, with approximately 90% of attachments important to Ukraine’s military agreed upon.
Zelenskyy described the 20-point plan as largely complete, marking substantial though not flawless progress toward a broader agreement. However, Russia rejected a Christmas ceasefire proposal, which Zelenskyy labeled a negative signal. He warned of possible attacks during the holiday and highlighted Ukraine’s air-defense shortfalls, urging vigilance among civilians.
Reuters reported that Russian forces allegedly captured a border village in Ukraine's Sumy region, taking dozens of civilians and 13 Ukrainian soldiers prisoner. Ukraine stated its troops refrained from striking due to civilians being present; verification remains pending and Russia has not commented on the incident. The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the US peace proposals and that Moscow will formulate its position in the coming days.
According to Bloomberg, Russia views the 20-point plan as a starting point and intends to seek changes, including additional restrictions on Ukraine’s military, arguing the proposal lacks some provisions Russia desires. While there is growing momentum in the Ukraine peace push, experts remain concerned that Putin may not make concessions and that Moscow aims to renegotiate key elements of the plan.
